3 Ways to Wear Floral Leggings

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

One of my favorite things about my mom is that she is absolutely clueless about fashion. It's really cute and funny how she'll pick out something totally random to unintentionally mismatch something because it's on sale. 

It's one of those problems I can look back and laugh at now. And although I've been supporting and cultivating my own wardrobe for years...she still enjoys buying an item here and there just for kicks (despite any resistance). 

The best part is that it's almost always something I'd never pick myself. 

For instance, recently, she brought home a pair of floral leggings. Although I am legging-obsessed (leggings = pants all the way!), I'd never actually buy a pair of floral leggings. They're loud, bold and a little too look-at-me with giant floral, colorful print.

She found this particular pair in the junior's section of Sears. It's safe to say, they are in style. My mom's picks are a fun way to challenge myself to style something I'd never normally wear.

After doing some meticulous fashion research, here are three ways I plan to sport my new floral leggings:

1. Dress it Up: Blazer

Oasis shirt, / Topshop boyfriend blazer / Floral print pants, / Tory Burch platform sandals / Colorblock handbag, 

Scrumptious Saturday: Cafe Bagelry

Yes! Bagels  It is something so common and so ordinary that we sometimes forget that it is also something amazing! Cafe Bagelry located in San Dimas, CA serves these little rings of deliciousness from the morning till night.

Vegetarian includes sprouts, tomatoes, avocado, onions, and mayo on your choice of bagel (picture: Poppy Seed)

Things To Consider Before Ombre-ing Your Hair

P o s t . b y    l    M i m i   

Ombre is one of the hottest hairstyles for the spring and summer time. It brightens up ones face and brings depth and dimension to your hair. And since it is spring, I decided to try out this trendy hairstyle myself. Below are a list of things I thought that everyone should consider before trying out this hairstyle.

• Beginners problem:
  If you've never dyed or bleach your hair before, to get the best result you should consult a hairdresser. I've dyed and re-dyed my hair for years and years now, so I understand how and what these chemicals will do to my hair. For beginners, going to a salon and getting it professionally done will ensure you get the results you dream of.
  
• Ombre = Bleaching hair:
  Whenever you are changing up your hair color, you are adding chemicals to your hair, which in turn will damage your hair. To achieve the ombre effect, bleaching and/or lightening your hair is required, this will damage your hair. If you don't want to damage your hair, you should reconsider trying out this hairstyle.
  
• In for the long haul: 
  You should always consider if a type of look is age, work, and school appropriate. Bleaching your hair means stripping your hair of its natural hair color which means it is permanent. Therefore, you should consider if it is okay to have this hairstyle in your current environment.
  
• Different Shades of Ombre:
  Not everyone has the same color hair or skin tone, therefore decide how light or how dark you want your ombre to be depending on your skin tone. Also, picture the type of ombre you want, is it the subtle type, or the more dramatic type? Whichever one your consider, know that it'll work for you and your skin tone beforehand. 

Now, check out my personal experience down below. . .

Exploring Salt Lake City's Treasures

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

Since Utah is heavily associated with Mormanism, a lot of people think there's not much to the community than that. After all, it's the Morman Mecca. Recently, I visited a couple of my friends over in Salt Lake City and was pleasantly surprised to find just how much the city had to offer (regardless of religion)!

When my dear friend Christina N. and I explored the streets of Salt Lake City, I discovered several amazing, not-so-hidden treasures of the city, including gorgeous architecture, art and quaint shops I couldn't help but fawn over. 

Come let me take you on a journey with me to the most beautiful corners of Salt Lake....

The jaw-dropping Cathedral of the Madeleine

Scrumptious Saturday: Umami Burger

If you haven't tried Umami Burger -- it's worth all the hype! The term Umami refers to "the fifth taste." Their modern spin on the typical American burger is truly a unique, savory flavor. They caramelize the meat and serve after cooking each patty for a long time at low heat. You can taste the crisp sizzle of the seared patties and it blends perfectly with the truffle oil, grilled mushroom, roasted tomato, caramelized onions among other flavors, depending on your burger.

Copy that Cat: Zooey Deschanel

P o s t . b y    l    M i m i   

Everyone has their own unique signature look, that when perfected, makes their best features shine. Zooey Deschanel, in my opinion, perfects her signature look with her vintage girly-girl outfits and quirky personality. What I also admire and adore about her, is her outlook on styling and saving; She discovered her signature looks by hitting up thrift stores and now created online community for virtually anyone to contribute tips, tricks, DIYs and more, to "inspire a smile" at HelloGiggles.com about fashion and life.

In this edition of Copy that Cat, I created 3 looks inspired by Zooey:

a. mint green cardigan b. peter-pan collar blouse c. santeen shorts d. peep-toe heels

.

Her quirky personality shines through her unique style from head to toe. This outfit is perfect for those casual spring and summer days.

Peggy Olson's Fashion Evolution in 'Mad Men'

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

“I don’t think anyone wants to be one of a hundred colors in a box"

These are some wise words from Peggy Olson, who has come a long way since she first made this bold remark in the first season of Mad Men. It was a memorable moment. When all the women in the office were given the opportunity to pick a shade of lipstick as part of an ad campaign research, Peggy was the only one who didn't scour the colors to grab one--any one. She declined.

"They don't have my color," she said defiantly, but respectfully.

It was arguably at this point, when she first voiced her unique opinion that allowed her to chart her own course from being an ordinary secretary of season one to a high-powered ad woman of season six.  

Her sensible wit, determination and unabashed courage helps her truly evolve as a woman both in her career and personal life. And as we're getting into season six of the show, I couldn't help but notice that Peggy's wardrobe evolved right alongside her. 

Let's take a look at season 1:

Season 1

Remember this Peggy? This totally captures innocent, fun-loving Peggy of season one (remember her hook-up with Pete?) This waist line isn't at all flattering on Peggy. It makes sense, at this point, even she didn't know her potential quite just yet. 

Scrumptious Saturdays: Passion Tea Lemonade

Starbucks' Passion Tea Lemonade is probably the best summer drink you can order at Starbucks (they have it year round but it is so refreshing during the summer time). A venti Passion Tea Lemonade costs about $3 and this is not economically safe if you are like some people and love to drink it everyday. BUT you can, cause it is DIY-able!

This week on Scrumptious Saturdays we want to share with you this refreshing drink that you can have it all year round! It is very easy and simple and costs about $3 to make enough to last for weeks! So, let's get started...

Friends Run or Dye Together

P o s t . b y    l    M i m i   

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of joining some of my co-workers and friends in San Diego  at the Qualcomm stadium for the most colorful 5k event in the world - 'Run or Dye'. 

I've always been a little sporty (tennis) but definitely not the type who loves to run miles let alone participating in a  5k event. On the other hand, Run or Dye (and many other events like this one) was definitely made for someone like me! It combined a little bit of fitness with a lot of fun! It was not mandatory to run, so for those non-runners , like me ,  you can walk, jog or even dance the whole 5k!

The Bold Bubble Necklace (& Variations)

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

The bubble necklace has been extremely trendy in the last year or so...it makes a statement and adds a burst of color to any outfit. I absolutely love the bubble necklace -- but I can understand the slight apprehension that some fashion bloggers have expressed about this particular trend.

Some stylists worry that the necklace loses its punchy, "wow" factor when all too often, there are three other women wearing the same original J-Crew bubble necklace (found much cheaper here) in a given fashionable room. Not much a statement then is it?

Still, if you love the look -- keep its popularity in mind. If we think about how to personalize this trendy piece in a way that looks different than everyone else -- the bold bubble necklace can be a unique look. Here are different variations of the bib-style bubble necklace:

First off, here's my current obsession:

This three-toned bold color from Fashion Love can dress up any plain tank or dress. It's somewhat similar to the original J-crew bubble necklace with a shorter, multicolored, more delicate string.

Scrumptious Saturday: Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers

Print Recipe . l Veggie Stuffed Bell Peppers 

Hi friends! This week, we're featuring a hearty, vegetarian stuffed bell pepper recipe that you must try! It's a delicious, healthy and light lunch or dinner. Depending on how hungry you are, one whole stuffed bell pepper per person should do the trick (that's two servings). 

Here's a recipe for one pepper...

A Beautiful Adventure: UCR Botanical Gardens

This past weekend, we got together to explore every inch of Riverside's most hidden, wonderful gem: The beautiful UCR Botanical Gardens. This was a really special experience because UCR is our alma mater. In fact...just down the hill and one street over...you'll find the Aberdeen & Inverness dorm, where our friendship first blossomed almost 6 years ago.

Back then, we were too busy transitioning into college life to take full advantage of this serene landscape until this day. Better late than never :)

The Botanical Garden is a huge 40 acres with over 3,500 plant species preserved and well-kept. Notable favorites: The Rose Garden, Lavender & blooming California golden Poppies! Our dislikes: the many different colored lizards racing in nearly every shrub...though the garden was worth it! Browse our favorite photos above. With this post, we hope to inspire you to stop and smell the roses in your local garden too...

  . . . Love, Mimi & Ritika

Spring Styles: 5 Must Have Handbags

P o s t . b y    l    M i m i   

Handbags by far are my favorite accessories by far. They're versatile and can add personality to any outfit without looking over-done. Below are 5 different types of styles I find indispensable this spring.

1} Color : Bright Pastels

Pastels, in my mind, is always in. For this spring, bright pastels are a must have. It adds a pop of color to any  boring outfit.

marc jacobs q mini

2} Second Look : Statement

I absolutely adore anything that catches my eye for a second time. If it makes me turn my head, it must be something unique. Whether it be the color, shape, print, or style, a statement handbag is a necessity.

chanel 2013 two hoop handles

Pinsperation: 5 Lovely Thoughts

P o s t . b y    l   R i t i k a

Good Tuesday to you all! This week, I wanted to share some of my absolute favorite musings, quotes and reflections found on Pinterest. Whether you've had a rough start to your week or simply could use a rejuvenating perspective, remember that...

Pinned from Proven